Paul, our 1 acre lot in PA has some trees, and is a bit bumpy in spots. Thanks Paul. That said, The Kawasaki FR engine you find on this price range of mowers is nothing special. Turning downhill can cause the mower to lose traction and slide down the slope. For example, my Dodge Caravan can pull 5000 lbs but I should not have more than 150 lbs on the hitch (tongue weight) Any more weight than that and the weight would push the rear of the van down too much making the van hard to steer or even understeer on a corner causing an accident. Thanks, Mark. (all those clipping need someplace to go and raising the deck up will let them drop into the grass) They will both work flawlessly on your normal lawn. Any thoughts on that machine? I think thats unfair. If . Appears to be a heavy duty estate class machine, has 2800 hydros, Kohler 7000 engine, and even larger tires. Appreciate the insight. Many thanks to you and for your website! Personally, Id go with a little heavier machine. It is developing a stellar reputation. They finally realized that their real mission was to make the best mowers for fewer people instead of making mowers for the masses. Ive got about two acres of mostly flat lawn at my house. I think I have a truly fun exercise for you with a varied list of contenders. https://www.russopower.com/bob-cat-quickcat-48-stand-on-mower-20-5hp-kawasaki, https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bradley-Mowers-48SC-BS24V-48-Hydro-Drive-Stand-On-Compact-Zero-Turn-Mower-Briggs-Vanguard-24HP-Electric-Start/857626337?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227101833639&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=s&wl2=c&wl3=217425214023&wl4=pla-351178471162&wl5=9007349&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=857626337&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjw8LTmBRBCEiwAbhh-6DkrXIHh6wBIoiq3Nq8irCQhs-bWBoJAYhEHyGtOPxcEuDgjojV9gxoCVFQQAvD_BwE. My second choice is either the Toro or Cub Cadet 50 inch. Yes, I know pretty anal. Hi Paul, A 50-52 inch mower has a wider stance so youll feel more comfortable on your slope. Since the Ariens Apex won the round out of the timecutter and ultima how does it stack up against the mz61. Thats very helpful. Going to demo the Walker very soon and if I can manage to escape the seduction, Ill head down the road and pick up the Clipper saving a few bucks. Its worth a $1000 more because the frame, deck, and transmissions are all more heavy-duty than the Ultima Series and the Toro Timecutter. Hi Adam, The Patriot is going to give you a suspension seat and a commercial-grade engine. Youll need to sharpen the blades twice a year and replace them every 2-3 years. The Briggs engine in the mower will last for your yard. Cub Cadet Hauler | There are cheap yard carts, good carts and just plain junk. This turned into long story long so again i really appreciate your time! In my opinion, this is the lowest price point you should go for what you want to mow. Ariens Edge 42 (More money) john lucas tournament 2020 schedule Facebook does judge lafayette die in queen of the south Twitter illinois central college professor Instagram. Hey, I'm John, and I'm a Red Seal Qualified Service Technician with over twenty-five years experience. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'desiredlawnmower_com-box-4','ezslot_5',123,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-desiredlawnmower_com-box-4-0'); The Cub Cadet ZT1 similarly has the same deck sizes with the exception of a size 52 deck. I hope you find a good dealer to work with and enjoy the mower you decide on. Walker Model R. Either the 42 or 48-inch deck but the 48 will give you the best trimming capabilities. I prefer the 50 inch model because the deck sticks out the side farther which makes it easier to trim around stuff. The Deere probably looks a little better to me too, but my mower doesnt need to be pretty, as long as its not ugly and it mows well and has adequate service support if needed. Hi Charles, No, They did not have any problems with the steering and transmissions. Love the articles. I have been a follower of your site for a few years now. I dont know how steep of slopes it covers. In this case, though the Kawasaki is a residential engine. what do you think ? Is there a significant difference between the Toro TimeCutter and the HD models? Fab 22.5 HP V-Twin Gas Zero-Turn Riding Mower with Smart Speed, Agri-Fab 44 in. I like the fully welded frame on the Cub Cadet but on the other hand, you never hear of frame cracking on the Deere either. Now I am contemplating having them rebuild transmission which I believe will cost me about $1500 or maybe just get a good used or new zero turn. Considering the lack of step and handrail, would the Boulevard still be your first choice for me? (Since the MX5050 is an old model it should be priced in the $2500 range) I mow our residential, flat, 1 acre yard with ~10 trees and fence in Pittsburgh, PA. This product is a high-performance gas-operated zero-turn mower that will suit the needs of both homeowners and professionals. MTD went through and fixed all those small irritating issues last year and the 2020 Cub Cadet is a better choice today: 42 in. The Intek is a good motor for someone who has a flat lawn and mows about 1/2 acre a week, but for what you want to mow it will last long enough to just get past the warranty. I have 2 acres I mow Is this too much acreage for a mulch kit?i feel like Im shortening the life of the mower by stressing it. With todays ethanol-blended fuel you need a gas can that seals tight. Yes, they look cool but if you put one next to a comparable commercial mower (Toro, Exmark, Scag, etc) you will find cheaper parts in the Spartan. JavaScript is disabled. My main priorities are ride comfort, ease of service, and durability. I would like to upgrade from my 2000 dixon with a 50 deck and a 15.5 hp vanguard. If you dive into the specs, there are a few small differences but none of which will make a difference in your cut. It is still a very popular mower with farmers who have long ditches and large areas to mow. Can a person get by with just buying the mulching blades as opposed to the entire mulching kit? If you have inexperienced operators a fabricated deck will hold up better to them banging it against foundations and trees. Who Makes The Best Lawn Tractor or Zero Turn For You? It has ZT3100 commercial trannys. But I do know the mother of one of the Cub Cadet higher up personnel that could probably run interference for me on warranty repairs if need be. Hi JD, You will be a lot happier with the cut of the Toro than the Simplicity. Added to that if I ever move to a bigger lawn I wont have to buy a new mower. About half of this area is a long wide slope in the front (well under 13deg that Deere warns about). Lourdani, The Z Master 2000 is the entry-level commercial Toro. I do my best to not mow wet grass and usually remove no more than 1 inche in a mow. If your lot is very rough and you want to mow parts of it only a few times a year its the best choice. (Its like having a locking diff on a Garden Tractor) I suggest the Z-Force S 48 for long life and the extra weight for traction. Now, we are in a new home and are beginning to look for a mower to better meet our needs. -Its very easy to tip up the deck, remove the mulch kit and then use the Accelerator side mount grass catcher if needed. Arent the Toro engines made in China? Bush Hog has always catered to the farm and ranch crowd so you will only find them at a farm implement dealer. It is a nice machine. Hi Charlie, Is the dealer getting some in or will your local Ariens Dealer order the mower? With the 48 inch deck, you can trim around a fence post and never slow down. Its a heavy-duty mower and is stronger than the TimeCutter series so it will last mowing your lawn. 1. Ariens has really upped their game this year and the Ariens upgraded IKON XD is one of the best mowers out right now. Thanks for the information. And to know which is bettera Toro or a Cub Cadetread through this guide! Just not sure if I should look for a ZTR that is heavy, one that has wide tires, etc. The wider deck will allow you to trim around obstacles easier than the 42 inch model below. It wasnt badits just that the email communication back and forth left me conflicted with information I was gleaning on the internetacross several manufacturers by the way. I primarily side discharge the clippings during the summer months but do mulch all of my leaves in the fall. All around homeowner use, what would you buy? I like having my weekends free for fun time. I appreciate your suggestion, and I am going to check out the Gravely ZTRs this week, at my local dealer. They arevented inside the spout so the fuel pours quickly yet seals tightly when not in use. It seems to me that you appreciate the Ariens mowers as the better built and maybe longer lasting. Hi Dave, All five brands are a great choice in that price range. Because of that brand recognition today the dealer can charge more (and make more profit.) Like Walker, Country Clipper has been around for over 30 years and they specialize in rural or farm properties. The Kubota is overpriced for what you get. My choices are one of the 42 Toro MyRide (Kohler or Toro engine choice) or a 42 Simplicity Courier with the Kawaski engine. Finally, I am a little concerned that your local dealer cant get a CA compliant mower. Any other concerns about this model? Ariens IKON XD Mowing Review. The alternative is the MX6050. I firmly believe you get what you pay for. I expect the batteries to last 5-7 years. If you want a one and done mower the Vanguard is definitely the engine to buy. I was using my TORO 51592 blower when it started to catch on fire and possibly electrocute me. For the Toro, the following are popular accessories: For the Cub, these accessories are often bought: To know more about the accessories that are commonly purchased for mowers, read this post. These two machines are different and have a different range of skill sets. Yes, Id stay away from the Husqvarna mowers. I followed the company since the 90s and their equipment has always been built very strong for the price. The Radius E is the entry-level commercial Exmark. In addition, ANY ZTR under 48 inches will have traction issues like sliding even on dry ground. Check Out The Cut & Clean TV MERCH!https://teespring.com/stores/cutandcleantvBest Residential Zero Turn Mower | Ariens IKON X vs Cub Cadet ULTIMA ZT1 LawnTha. Calculator tells me (for my peace of mind) that I ought to be looking in the 50-60 range if I dont want to spend much more than a few hours doing my lawn every other weekend. 2022 The Best Residential Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Thirteen Best 42-46 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2022 The Sixteen Best 48-52 Inch Zero Turn Mowers, 2021 The Sixteen Best 54-72 Inch Residential Zero Turn Mowers. Hi Travis, I have a list of the mowers I like best at the beginning of the article. Charlie Victor. Dave. On the Toro, however, height is controlled using a lever thats beside the speed control. Hi..I am looking for the best battery (about 1.5 acres) riding mower with a steering wheel, that will bag, about 38 in, power steering, dont have to change the blade when I am mulching or cutting (bagging).Thank you. Gator blades are a better solution than the stock mulching blades but they will also have problems with spring grass or tall grass. No, it doesnt ride quite as smooth as the Toro MX5075 but rides well and is built stronger than that Toro. While zero-turn mowers do in fact turn, they get their name from their ability to turn in a full circle without ever exceeding the boundaries of their own footprints. A popular rivalry between Kubota and Cub Cadet is between the Cub Cadet XT1 LT46 and Kubota T2380. How does the Big Dog Alpha compare to the others you reviewed? You mentioned that there are more than 500 models of mowers out there, so it would be impossible to review them all, but I would like to see what you have to say about the Ultima ZT2 50 compared to the two Jonsered riding lawn mowers sold by Costco https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=Jonsered. The Kawasaki option does not seem to be available unless I want to order through a big box store. BTW Did you have a chance to look at the Bradley frame compared to the Bobcat? It has smooth-running V-Twin and bags well. I also like the toro my ride and ariens ikon x john deere and cub cadet ultima. The orange AUTOMOWER Model 535 AWD 967 85 34-66 is their commercial version. You will like it. This sliding has even caused the mower to slide into a ditch, when I was cutting the side of the road, and it flipped over!!!!! Fab Deck Zero-Turn Mower with MyRide. The only maintenance is sharpening or changing the blade once a year. With 10 acres and horse pasture, go with the Apex. Ive always liked John Deere, but I am concerned that their decks accumulate too much grass clippings and get clogged. What do you think of this mower, and who makes it? But the Toro TimeCutter HD with MyRIDE 48 in. I appreciate any suggestions that you can offer. The mower is, however, equipped with two LED headlights, which are absent on the Toro. It mows very well and is the right size for one acre. So thanks for providing that information. They also have the traction to get up that slope. They dont have enough traction and the center of gravity is too high. Shopping question: I had narrowed my choice to the new Ariens Apex 48 or 52 (991161 & 991159). Heavy 7 gauge deck (apparently the same deck/frame as Bobcat). Best ride and cut NOT as important as longevity and ease of maintenance. I have 15 acres of grass with voles holes/tunnels, berms, bumpy grass and fences. The Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 has a similar build. Its a heavy-duty mower but the Deere will have more options available like baggers and mulch kits. So, well see if they last. Have you done any testing with the Husqvarna or any other mower manufacturers? The name is an old, well-respected name in the industry. It will ruin your engine! Hi Steve, I would never pay extra for a Kawasaki FR engine over the Kohler 7000. I am looking at the Deere Z335E and Z375R. Have you heard of the transmission concerns? The Vanguard is B&S true commercial engine. However, I like the 60 inch deck for the price and also the fabricated deck. Hi Jim, Instead of waiting for a sale you can always ask the dealer to waive the setup and/or delivery fees. If you try to pull too much the transmissions can overheat and if you do it often enough they will fail. Reasons: The 24.5 hp engine used in the Toro is essential the same as what I had in my Exmark Radius and it was both smooth and powerful. If you go any less than this price range and they ZTR will only last you a couple of years. Hi Beverly, Chickens are so much fun! They are priced well especially compared to the Kubota and Hustler SD. Machines are only as good as the person standing behind them. I just dont think I need a heavy duty mower, but maybe the heavier Cub would last longer. The steel bars featured at the rear of the Cub Cadet zt1 might be for overall fancy-fancy, but they are built for protecting the engine from any exerted force that could be damaging should you bump into obstacles whilst mowing in reverse. I know I want a fabricated deck. Many smaller commercial owners are using the Patriot and it holds up to 10 acres a day every day use. Was looking at Toro with myRide setup.. Hi Dave, the only choice is the MyRide. Its worth the $5100 but the question is do you need that much mower? John Deere, Toro, or Cub Cadet. I would like something in the 48 inch to 52 inch cut range. You are right that the dealer can often make the difference, and the one I got mine from is awesome! Arm Rest Kit for Cub Cadet XT1 and XT2. I have narrowed my choices down to the Ariens Ikon XL 52 (for its rugged build), the Toro Timecutter with Myride 50 (for the ride) and the Ryobi 100 ah 42 (for the quiet operation and the cost savings over time). Zero-turn Steering Wheel. Does anyone have experience with these two? This mower is self-propelled and can hang on any hill. There are over 400 different Zero-Turn Mowers available for your residential lawn. Thanks for all the great info here. 1. Both are rated for a lawn up to .9 acres and max cutting height of 2.8 inches. The joystick seemed a little twitchy, but I think I could get used to it. Thought kubota z421kw was nice. Ill be mowing my 1 acre, flat-to-mildly sloping residential lawn with minimal trees. Owners need to know this! Fabricated Deck 24 HP Kawasaki FS Series Engine with Front Wheel SuspensionAvailable at, Cub Cadet Ultima ZTX4 54 in. I know I am giving up the warranty but I am still tempted to buy it. I also expect that following the bed lines in the front part of the lawn will be more difficult with a garden tractor. Starting with the most important facts and how the brands compare. PLEASE ADVISE. New grass in the spring has a lot more moisture than grass later in the year. Would it be worth the extra money to go with the scag?Ive got a dealer 10 minutes from the house as opposed to a hour and a half for toro dealer. The Toro and the Ariens will both mow your entire 2 acres in less than an hour so you can always just mow it all every week . Hi Paul, Thanks so much for the reply. Thats good to know. Or Bagger for 42 inch Fab Deck. It cuts great and is built to last way more than 20 years. I have been going through drive belts at a rate of 1 per season. The new model #991145 Gravely Compact Pro 44 Commercial mower is having many problems. If you own a large patch of land, the Cub Cadet will serve you well for a long time. Ive been looking at the Ariens Ikon XD 42 which seems well reviewed. used 2022 hustler super z 60rd for sale in new albany, ohio. They do look VERY similar. Ill give you links at Amazon for two sizes. Have they had problems? Hi Steve, Please ask the Home Depot store manager. Fab 24.5 HP V-Twin Gas Dual Hydrostatic Zero Turn Riding Mower or Only thing I have to go around is the back patio. Im not clear about whether theyre planning to stock any of the new Apex models, but if its the same as the ZT HD then I dont really see why they would. In front of the seat is a non-slip floor pan, and its here where one rests their feet while mowing. If you use them with side discharge the work most of the time but if your grass is wet, long or the stringy (like some Fescues) they wont cut the grass into little pieces and throw it out the discharge. Am I right Im thinking that the Toro MX5000 has the Hydro Gear 2800 and the Ariens Ikon X has the smaller Hydro Gear 2200? Appreciate you help. Im now looking to replace that mower with another last mower. I am considering a Kubota z231 BR-48 and a John Deere Z530M-48. I also understand Briggs parts are much cheaper than the other manufacturers, should I ever need them. Look forward to your suggestions. https://www.toro.com/en/homeowner/riding-mowers/timecutter-mx5000-74775. Yes, when you read the lawnmowers forums and talk to dealers Kawasaki does appear more popular. Its engine offers more power than the Cub Cadet mower and its fuel tank is larger than its competitor. The 48-inch deck will give you a better cut than the 54 inch and still get done quickly. However, Im wondering if either of these would be substantially easier to work on for basic maintenance (oil/filter changes, blade sharpening, etc. A 48-52 inch zero-turn will mow between 2 1/2 and 4 acres an hour at 6-9 MPH. The engine is at the back with the transmission underneath, and the seat and floor pan setup resembles the Toros quite closely. Best For Rough Lawns Toro 50 in. P.S. Thanks, Both riding mowers help you fit between flower beds, but Kubota has a 48" deck which measures in at 2" larger than its foe. Aceitar Recusar. I wanted to have beefier Transaxles. Without concern about the leaf vac, I was looking at the Cub Cadet ZT2 54-inch or the Toro TimeCutter 54-inch (75754) I judge those to be about the equivalent. Howdy Paul. While purchasing a mower online is possible, its not recommended for the following reasons: All things considered, the Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42 is a powerful, durable mower whereas the Toro TimeCutter ZS 4200S is great at delivering a refined mowing experience. Hi Craig, Thanks for the complete explanation it helps a lot! First a disclaimer, Im a Toro guy, so I favor the Toro. Gravely also offers this mower with the heavier ZT2800 transmissions The Gravely ZT XL. And has helped me narrow down my choices. Looked at: Ariens, Walker, Ferris, Skag, Toro, ExMark, JD, Husqvarna, Hustler, Gravely, Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Bad Boy, and Snapper maybe a couple others losing count. Since your lawn will be rough you want the strength of the HD line. Looking for a new zero turn 54 and under $3500 and under from Lowes. The dealer will do the tuneup and make sure everything is working perfectly. 42 inches. I think they would have to be ordered. Thanks for your super helpful work. It is well worth the extra $600. You dont seem to mention Bobcat what are your thoughts on both of these machines? Looking around at other manufacturers They are all charging $800-$1100 for the ZT 2800 trannys over the ZT 2200. I am looking to purchase a 60 ztr to mow 3 acres of mostly flat yard. I suggest getting the Cyclone with the dual-wheel casters and the electric start engine. I dont recommend lawn tractors for slopes over 15 degrees. Here is my review: Cub Cadet hauler Ill put a picture below. Its a few dollars more than the Ariens, but I like having a local dealer in case anything goes wrong. A zero-turn mower is no light purchase, which explains why so many potential buyers ask questions about both of the mowers weve discussed. Who knows? My John Deere riding mower had issues with grass building up under the deck, but its 2004 model. I know they arent the best for hills but it isnt that hilly, gradual slope. Your Walker dealer will be glad to come out and demo it with you. Hi Paul, really enjoyed reading the article and comments I feel so much more informed now. Hi K.C., I never recommend buying used unless you are very mechanically inclined, have engine and transmission expertise and get such a good deal that you can fix all the little things that will go wrong.